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Bullying: How to Help Your Child Who Bullies

Topic Overview

It can be hard to accept that your child may be
bullying other children. But once you recognize
the problem, you can help solve it by helping your child learn how his or her
actions affect others. Being sensitive to others' feelings (empathy) is largely
a learned skill that you can teach your child.

Take your child's actions seriously. And let your
child know that bullying will not be tolerated. Set up and follow through with
negative consequences, such as losing privileges and not being allowed to see
friends after school.

Involve your child's teacher, school
administrators, and school counselor to help stop the
bullying.

Talk to your child about the importance of understanding
the feelings of others. Ask your child how he or she would feel as the target
of bullying.

Supervise your child's activities. If your child is
not already involved in sports or community activities, encourage him or her to
hang out with children you know to be good role models.

Be a good
role model yourself by not reacting to disappointments with verbal or physical
aggression.

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